Janice Jackson, LMT has been offering pain relief for 18 years now in Naples, FL. Janice loves to help people to get their life back after being restricted by surgery, trauma, and pain. She Enhances Your Life, One Day at a Time! http://www.MassageNaplesFl.com

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I’ve worn many hats over the years, whatever I needed to do to make ends meet: secretary, waitress/bartender, paralegal, musician, hairdresser, and massage therapist.

What inspired you to start your business?

I’ve always been a self-starter so it was a no-brainer for me. I was tired of getting “screwed” by an employer for what seemed like unfair business practices.

Where is your business based:

Naples, FL

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

First, in Florida, after completing our massage schooling and testing, we have to be properly licensed by the State (massage license) and by our City (Occupational license). Then I selected a location, decided on my decor, placed an ad in a local wellness magazine, and continued to take additional classes to learn more about helping people to be pain-free.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I actually have a very good website and recently had someone do an excellent SEO for it. It seems that people are looking for Cranial Sacral therapy in general so I come up in the Google search. I also get lots of word-of-mouth referrals.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was to be accepted as more than “just a massage therapist”. My license to practice is as an LMT, but my bodywork experience is extensive. Then there is also always the stereotype of question like - well, what can you do? You are not a Dr.!! I tell them to come in and they will see. I have plenty of testimonials on my website and my Facebook Page.

How do you stay focused?

It’s easy to stay focused when you like your “job”. I offer a variety of modalities so that makes it interesting: BrainTap, Cupping, Cranial Sacral, Massage, Cranial Release Technique and Access Bars.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I specialize in Cranial Sacral Therapy and other pain relieving modalities rather than billing myself as a massage therapist. I focus on pain relief.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

At first, it was a monthly ad in a wellness magazine called Natural Awakenings. Now it is my updated website and word-of-mouth.

What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Figure out how to set yourself apart from everyone else. Ask your friends, clients and relatives who know you and your work to tell you what they think are your strong/weak points. Go from there. Keep asking yourself, What Else is Possible?

What’s your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite for all of the above are two: AccessConsciousness.com and BrainTapTechnology.com. They are both very powerful for keeping my head on straight and focused.

What’s your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I think my favorite tool is my monthly newsletter that I send to all my clients. It keeps me uppermost in their minds and gives them information about what is new in my office as far as new modalities that I’m offering when I will be out of the office, and specials that I may offer. I use Robly and they also send tips/tricks to engage my audience.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Gary Douglas/Dr. Dain Heer from Access Consciousness and Dr. Patrick Porter who started BrainTap Technology. They have a vision of the future of what they want and they go for it no matter what. They constantly ask questions to clarify their purpose. If something doesn’t feel right, they are ok with changing it and moving on to the next phase.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Right now, it is my busiest time of year until about June so I am staying focused on keeping myself healthy and setting boundaries about how many people I can actually serve in one day. I’m also keeping my eye on the next classes to take to enhance my skills when summer comes.